Fashion icon and businesswoman now turned philanthropist Ineeleng Kavindama, whose birthday fell on Saturday 21st, chose to celebrate the day with underprivileged children at the SOS children’s orphanage.
Kavindama says she had earlier in the week been inspired former US President Barack Obama’s speech at the 16th Nelson Mandela Lecture to mark the struggle icon’s centenary.
Obama spoke about the values that the iconic Mandela stood for. “He emphasized that Madiba believed that every one of us has the potential to make the world a better place by starting to be compassionate to the next person who is in need. His speech got me thinking about my charity organization which has been inactive for almost a decade,” she says.
“I am proud to introduce our Non-profit organization (NGO), Ineeleng Trust which was registered in 2007. The Trust has been dormant because after its registration, many potential international donors and sponsors were not in a position to assist us as most of them were affected by the world recession of 2008.”
She says in a small way this is how they are taking the first step to honor Mandela and celebrate his legacy of giving back to the disadvantaged.
She says this is not the first time that she has reached out on a national level as her company Ineeleng Holdings has loaned Princess Marina Hospital some medical equipment which is currently being used by the Oncology department to treat cancer patients.
“You don’t have be a big company, or from one of those rich families with big names. Everyone has the potential to assist in their own communities. You do not need a lot of money to put a smile on the faces of those disadvantaged children or any disadvantaged group for that matter.”
She says it took them two days to plan the birthday celebration at SOS. “When you think of buying airtime, or a can of beer, hairstyle, an extra pair of shoes and clothes to slay with or whatever you intend to spend your hard earned money on, we must think about those in need; That toothpaste, toothbrush, bar of soap, facecloth, extra food, extra shoes and clothing which you hardly wear in your wardrobe can make a difference to the less privileged groups of our society. Even spending time with the less privileged is a sign of goodwill,” she reiterates.
She says she plans to turn it into an annual affair. “We were fortunate to be partly sponsored by Wasabi Creatives who did the photography and video, chef Thuso Nakedi who came with his barbecue expertise, Black Legends who provided non-stop music for the kids while the highlight of the day was our very own Vintage Classics drivers who gave the children exciting experience on our 1938 Deluxe Chevrolet, 1963 Austin Cambridge, Classic Toyota MRS Sports car and the 1974 Chevrolet pick-up,” Kavindama says.